Billboard Top Hip-hop
The Sharp and Swift Ascent of Imelda Gabs
“My instrument is my body, so it is always in flux, and my identity as a singer has gone through many transformations as a result”
Q: Give us a short bio of yourself
Artists like Imelda Gabs are the reason why pop music never gets stale and evolves with the times that we live in.
Bold and unexpected, she manifests her passion and emotions through her music, both on stage and in the studio.
The 23 yr Belgian & Congolese artist grew up in Switzerland where she studied the piano, violin and singing. As she
naturally dived into composition and songwriting, performing quickly came her way.
At 14 yr she had her live debut at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels (BE) alongside her late father, jazz pianist
Doctor Gabs, followed by the W:HAlll (BE) where she got to play with organ legend Rhoda Scott and Miriam Makeba’s former drummer, Vic Jewel Pitts.
In 2017 she joined the Montreux Jazz Academy where she performed one of her first written songs “Heartbeat” with
renowned bass player Marcus Miller, and got invited to play at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival, opening for
Lianne La Havas and The Roots.
This event led her to “always expect the unexpected”, and from there her journey took a new turn.
The singer likes to mix varied sounds and treats her audience with a sonically rich blissful electro-acoustic musical
journey, which her self-produced debut single Fallen Angel fully embodies. Brilliantly infusing her dark pop inspirations with cinematic visuals, the single was internationally praised and its music video, directed by Dariy Mambetov, got awarded with Best Music Video & Best Director from the International Music Video Underground Festival.
In 2021 she presented her full band set up at Les Docks in Lausanne (CH) and the Montreux Jazz Festival who invited her for the second time to join their lineup. She also opened for French singer Camélia Jordana during the festival Le Créatives.
Her second single ALTER EGO was released on 10th December 2021 and her debut EP is on the way.
What should you expect from her next? the unexpected…
Journalist
Q: How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as raw, passionate and unexpected! While keeping a Pop
direction with my music productions, I like to explore other genres and mix them
together. It is a challenge but it’s also the best way I’ve found to evolve and push my
boundaries as an artist.
Journalist
Q: What is the story behind your latest song and what key projects are you working on this
year?
My latest song Alter Ego expresses how fighting your own inner demons can turn into a
vicious circle. 2020 was both a strange and difficult year as an artist and this song
came to me as a sort of rebellion against everything that was going on and how I felt at
the time. Currently, I’m working on my debut EP, looking forward to this next big step!
Journalist
Q: How do you want to be perceived by your fans and what’s one message that you want them
to know?
If you expect the unexpected, you become capable of anything and nothing can stop you,
whatever your goal is. I hope my music will inspire them to follow their dreams, whatever they
may be!
Journalist
Q: What life lessons have you learned so far in your music journey?
That nothing really ever happens as planned! You can only prepare yourself as much as
you possibly can for whatever comes your way, but that’s also what’s so exciting about a
music career, it’s constantly moving and you really never get bored !
Journalist
Q: Where can people follow you? (Link your social media accounts)
https://www.youtube.com/ImeldaGabs
https://www.instagram.com/imeldagabs/
https://www.youtube.com/ImeldaGabs
https://www.facebook.com/imeldagabs
https://twitter.com/imeldagabs
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OQhsLVx6kZBqWgDO5nYDS?si=N9Tky0Y6
T0i4KYJ-scVZdQ
Billboard Top Hip-hop
“Ashwin’s Spectacular NBA Debut at the Intuit Dome”
On February 4, 2025, Ashwin, a talented artist, will grace the Intuit Dome with a remarkable performance as the opening act for the highly anticipated game between the LA Clippers and the LA Lakers. Directed and choreographed by the brilliant Destiny Frye, this visual spectacle promises to be extraordinary, showcasing a groundbreaking concept within the state-of-the-art $2.1 billion stadium.
This performance marks a significant milestone for Ashwin as it will be his debut appearance at an NBA event. The excitement surrounding this first-ever NBA performance is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the innovative and electrifying presentation that Ashwin is set to deliver.
Destiny Frye, the visionary behind this event, is the owner of Hip Hop Dreamz and the Origin Performing Arts Dance Studio. With a decade of experience in orchestrating NBA primetime performances, Destiny is celebrating her 10th anniversary of collaboration with the NBA, making this event even more special.
Destiny and her team are thrilled to bring Ashwin’s music to the forefront, promising an unforgettable experience for the audience. Although this is Ashwin’s inaugural NBA performance, it marks the beginning of a promising journey, and fans can expect many more captivating collaborations in the future. Ashwin is recognized as a trailblazer of his generation, and the anticipation for his future projects is already building. This event is not just a performance; it’s a celebration of artistry, innovation, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for Ashwin and Destiny Frye in their creative endeavours.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
For years, Mark “Savage” Sanders bold, dynamic mixing style has landed him work behind the boards of major tours and hit records alike. Working with artists like Shordie Shordie, Lizzo, Coi Leray, Kevin Gates, Fetty Wap, Kelly Rowland and more, Mark sports an ever-expanding discography of cutting edge of popular music. We spoke with Mark to get insights into his career arc, workflow, and to understand how his unique sound is built upon a firm foundation of technical skill, knowledge and deep listening.
For starters, could you tell me how you got into engineering?
So at my high school they had an early college program where you could get your associates or a certificate by graduation. I wasn’t looking to be an audio engineer. I don’t even think I really knew what an audio engineer was, which makes it all the more crazy. I saw music production schools, but I went for audio engineering at Full Sail University.
What boards were you working on when you were doing live sound?
It was whatever the house had. Working on Mackie boards or Yamaha boards that only had seven inputs that worked—Avid and Midas consoles, the M32s, the Behringer X32, a lot of different stuff. Being a live sound engineer taught me so much signal flow and having to adapt to different spaces and different gear all the time. If I’m on tour and we’re generally using the same board, we’re probably never using the same monitors for front-of-house. The rooms are bigger or smaller—different places have different problem areas—being in a stadium or doing a festival where you have delays and all that stuff is just insane.
So you were ghostwriting, engineering, producing, and rapping in the beginning?
Yes I did it all except play an instrument.
Now today you’ve received a BMI Award, 2x Platinum, and over 12,000 sync placements how does it feel?
If I had to be honest I don’t care about any of it anymore. I want to see my Son win big like this. I’m more into family these days. I did everything I wanted in life and overachieved. I’m good!
We see you have Royalty ENTERTAINMENT & managing as far as entertainment goes what else can we expect?
Whatever God does. I’m not chasing anything anymore. Focused on living life, family, and wealth/health. Definitely support my DJ, DJ King, Ashley Blaire, and Pretty Liyah. Other than that I’m about to be out the way. (He laughs) I’m so burnt out. I’m chilling.
Last question, seeing that you did everything you wanted is there anything left that you haven’t 2025 going forward?
No just travel more that’s it. Like when I say I’ve given life everything I’ve had. I’ve given it everything. Plus I think most people are waiting for me to be famous or something which I’m avoiding and praying never happens.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
From Small Town Dreams to Entertainment Powerhouse: The Rise of Dominique Danielle
Dominique Danielle’s journey from the slums of Alton, Illinois, to becoming a multi-talented entertainer is a testament to perseverance and passion. As a preteen, her mother moved her to Atlanta, Georgia, in pursuit of better opportunities in music and entertainment. This bold decision would set the stage for Dominique’s remarkable career.
Her love for music led her mother, who also acted as her manager, to approach Atlanta’s top hip-hop radio station, Hot 107.9. This serendipitous move unexpectedly launched Dominique’s career in radio. Under the mentorship of industry professionals, she became a skilled board operator, producing shows for renowned personalities like Michael Baisden and Rickey Smiley.
Over the next decade, Dominique expanded her repertoire, becoming a radio personality and hosting music-driven TV shows. Her ambition drove her to explore various facets of entertainment, including club events and college parties. She even worked as a personality for Streetz 94.5 before fully committing to her music career.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Dominique conquered the prestigious high school tour as a singer, rapper, and entertainer. Her talents extended beyond music, as she delved into theater, film, and social media comedy. Notable achievements include co-hosting CBS’s music variety show “Trap City ATL” and garnering recognition for her acting and comedic timing.
Dominique Danielle’s story is one of relentless pursuit and adaptability. Her diverse skill set, coupled with unwavering morals, hard work, and resilience, continues to propel her forward in the entertainment industry. As she expands her horizons, there seems to be no limit to what this multi-faceted talent can achieve.